"A missed opportunity, just like in Zurich last year" - Belgian coach laments Wout van Aert's absence from Rwanda World Championships

The Rwanda World Championships have a very particular nature to it and a lot of different aspects when comparing to the regular courses chosen to attribute the rainbow jerseys. The climber-oriented courses also made it a no-brainer for many riders, whilst for others it had been pondered all year long. Belgian national coach Serge Pauwels laments Wout van Aert's absence from the race, believing he could've performed well.

"A few certainties have been injured, like Laurens De Plus. I also waited a long time with Lennert Van Eetvelt," Pauwels explained in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws. The Belgians had to change quite a lot of plans due to a lot of potential leaders of outsiders not making it into the selection.

Still, Evenepoel will not be isolated in the road race on the 28th of September. "I decide the selection and will be held accountable if it's not good. I think Ilan van Wilder should have been there last year. He's a no-brainer for me, but it's not a one-way street from me to Remco."

"Mount Kigali is incredibly tough. Six kilometers at 7% gradient, but with two flat kilometers. It's actually three 'steps' of one and a half kilometers at over 10%. That climb is perfect for Pogacar to wrap up the race, but just because things went south in Zurich last year with ninety kilometers to go doesn't mean it will be the same this year," he argues. The climb finishes with over 100 kilometers to go and the Mur de Kigali will also be climbed before the final laps of the circuit. But it's unlikely that the action will kick off so early.

On van Aert, Pauwels reinforced his months-long stance. "He initially suggested his idea in June, but at that time there was still talk of Wout, I greatly hoped for him not just in support of Remco, but because I believe in his chances." The former pro believes thoroughly that the Visma rider would stand a chance in such a race and that it's a repetition of 2024's situation.

"I'm afraid it could be a missed opportunity, just like in Zurich last year. I tried to tempt Wout a few times, like that Instagram post about the comparison between Montmartre and the Wall of Kigali. It was meant as a joke. I think he understood it that way".

"Wout had already decided, but I wanted to give it my all one last time. I went cycling with him by the sea afterward, but that decision was firmly in his head".